In what seems to be a very short time, nightcrawler hatchlings change drastically. Sleepy little hatchlings grow quite quickly, turning into large, energetic bugs. Most of their time is devoted to devouring vegetation as fast as possible. So great is this talent that they are often used to clear fallen leaves at the castle. Although they are hard to transport, just a few nightcrawlers can clear The Keep of unwanted plants very rapidly. Of course, the problem is finding them first, as they travel everywhere in the forest, even the more dangerous areas. And, should someone other than their magi approach them, the nightcrawler will take off at great speed, usually up a tree. They move in a distinct weaving pattern due to their many, many legs. Females and males are quite similar in appearance, though females have stronger venom. This is likely because the task of watching hatchlings falls to the females. They are easy to distinguish apart from the males, as they are purple in color, with thin antennae and barbed tails. Males on the other hand are blue in color, and their antennae are plumose. The two do not mingle together but travel separately, and have no apparent social hierarchy. They wander where they will, curling up in a different location whenever sleep comes upon them.

These bugs are easy enough to spot, as they glow softly in the dark. Of course, the fact that they're the size of a grown man's arm also helps. Nightcrawlers are one of the largest bugs found in the Silvan forest, and are not commonly seen around the castle. These companions have little interest in human affairs, and prefer to keep to the woods. There, they spend their days fast asleep, tucking themselves under logs or rocks to escape the sun. As the day draws to a close, nightcrawlers awaken and set out in search of food. They have strange appetites, and usually eat fallen leaves or decaying wood. But from time to time, a vicious mood overtakes them and they will turn carnivorous and hunt small birds and fish. Nightcrawlers are always kind enough paralyze their victims before consuming them, though. A single bite immobilizes the future meal instantly so that no pain is felt. This venom is extremely potent, even to humans who are too large to be knocked out. Anyone stung by a nightcrawler will feel numb and drowsy for up to a full day. Luckily, nightcrawlers only bite when preparing to eat, or in cases of extreme danger. It is more typical for one of these companions to run when threatened or curl up in a ball. Their thick armor protects them from most animals.